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19/01/2010
Hoon Faces Iraq Inquiry
Former defence secretary Geoff Hoon has insisted finding a diplomatic resolution in Iraq was always the Government's first priority.
Appearing before an inquiry into the war, Mr Hoon said no affirmative decisions were taken on the eventual invasion until the backing of MPs was granted.
He said the UK had never given its "unconditional" support for war, which overthrew Saddam Hussein.
According to Mr Hoon, who was defence secretary between 1999 and 2005, it would have been "inappropriate" for the cabinet to disclose legal advice it had received on the invasion.
A report from the then Attorney General Lord Goldsmith had raised some concerns over its legality.
These were later overcame, and Mr Hoon insisted the "categorical" final decision gave ministers the necessary assurances.
The inquiry has so far heard how cabinet members did not discuss the legality of war, despite concerns from International Development Minister Clare Short.
"His [Lord Goldsmith's] decision was that it was lawful. I cannot see how cabinet can look behind it," said Mr Hoon.
"I am not sure that it would be appropriate for cabinet to have that kind of discussion."
Mr Hoon said he was unaware of concerns by Ministry of Defence staff over some claims made within the 2002 dossier for war.
He said it was his belief the department was "content" with the document.
Mr Hoon suggested the "inherent assumption" that the UK would take part in military action, come what may, was wrong.
"I never assumed that we were in a position of unconditionally resorting to military action, actually, right up to the vote in the House of Commons," he said.
There was still "no expectation" within Whitehall following a crunch meeting between Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George W Bush in 2002.
He was later told to down play the military preparations being made by Downing Street, so the last bid for a UN resolution was not affected.
Mr Hoon claimed the nature of preparations meant some soldiers were not properly equip.
The inquiry continues.
(PR/GK)
Appearing before an inquiry into the war, Mr Hoon said no affirmative decisions were taken on the eventual invasion until the backing of MPs was granted.
He said the UK had never given its "unconditional" support for war, which overthrew Saddam Hussein.
According to Mr Hoon, who was defence secretary between 1999 and 2005, it would have been "inappropriate" for the cabinet to disclose legal advice it had received on the invasion.
A report from the then Attorney General Lord Goldsmith had raised some concerns over its legality.
These were later overcame, and Mr Hoon insisted the "categorical" final decision gave ministers the necessary assurances.
The inquiry has so far heard how cabinet members did not discuss the legality of war, despite concerns from International Development Minister Clare Short.
"His [Lord Goldsmith's] decision was that it was lawful. I cannot see how cabinet can look behind it," said Mr Hoon.
"I am not sure that it would be appropriate for cabinet to have that kind of discussion."
Mr Hoon said he was unaware of concerns by Ministry of Defence staff over some claims made within the 2002 dossier for war.
He said it was his belief the department was "content" with the document.
Mr Hoon suggested the "inherent assumption" that the UK would take part in military action, come what may, was wrong.
"I never assumed that we were in a position of unconditionally resorting to military action, actually, right up to the vote in the House of Commons," he said.
There was still "no expectation" within Whitehall following a crunch meeting between Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George W Bush in 2002.
He was later told to down play the military preparations being made by Downing Street, so the last bid for a UN resolution was not affected.
Mr Hoon claimed the nature of preparations meant some soldiers were not properly equip.
The inquiry continues.
(PR/GK)
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Underfire Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is to meet today with an Iraq war widow who has led calls for his resignation.
Hoon meets with Iraq war widow
Underfire Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is to meet today with an Iraq war widow who has led calls for his resignation.
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